3 Days in Florence: An Itinerary for Deep Travelers

While I wildly hope that you don’t truly have just 3 days in Florence, I know it’s okay, because you’re surely going to return! That is its curse, you see. As I’m writing this, I’m set to go back in less than a month as well!

Many people will tell you that two to three days is enough to see everything in Florence.

As someone who nerds out on history and immersing in the local culture, I absolutely disagree on this. You can see everything other tourists want to see in that time, but it’s much harder to really know the city.

Listen, it’s hard to get enough of Florence in a few days, but we can sure try. What I’m about to do with this 3-day itinerary is give you a good mix of the must-see sights and the hidden gems that’ll let you feel like you’ve been there forever.

Yes, when I say hidden gems, food is included! We love food. Food is great!

Yes, the Duomo Complex is also included (duh, of course!), as well as the church where Michelangelo studied anatomy for his art, my favorite hidden spot to get the Florentine Steak, and the most ornate chapel you’ll ever see in your lifetime!

How to Use This Itinerary

Of course, this schedule is based off my own interests and is very specific. I won’t be offended in any way if you choose to do things differently.

Just make sure to follow these few guidelines. Take it from someone who’s made too many itineraries for herself and her friends 🤣

• Top sights first! These places are the most crowded and has the most rules, which means things can go wrong. If you need to revisit later for any reason, you’ll have the later slots for it.
• Save relaxed experiences for the last day. They’ll become the rest you didn’t know you needed.
• If you prefer art to history, replace Palazzo Vecchio on the morning of day 2 with Galleria dell’Accademia, where Michelangelo’s David is. He’s just a piece of marble, sure, but so worth seeing!

I have a whole list of other stuff you can do in Florence that you can pick from. Enjoy!

Florence 3-Day Itinerary Map

First off, here’s a pinned map of this itinerary for my geographical travelers. We’re exactly the same! 😉

Day 1: The Religious Center + Epic City Views

There are two main parts to the Florence Historical Center (Centro Storico), the Religious Center (Duomo) and the Political Center (Palazzo Vecchio).

The two centers are minutes apart and are connected by Via del Calzaiuoli.

We’ll explore both on the first two days. The religious one’s up first!

Morning: Duomo Complex

You haven’t arrived in Florence until you’ve seen the Duomo Complex.

It’s also quite confusing to visit, and you might end up missing out on certain aspects of it, which is why we’re doing this before anything else. I love having time to fix things I’ve f*cked up on a trip.

It doesn’t matter if you’re an art kind of cultural traveler or a history kind of cultural traveler. This place gives you both in equal amounts, so let’s assume that we want to go all in with it.

Grab your Brunelleschi Pass, which gives you access to all six attractions, and follow my lead!

Duomo Museum

The Duomo Museum opens at 8:30 AM and I need you to promise me you’ll go there FIRST. No, not the dome first, not the cathedral first, not the bell tower, either. The museum first!

It gives you the context you’ll need to really take in the rest of the complex.

You’ll need between 90 minutes to two hours for it, but the first floor hall alone is freakin’ worth every dime you pay. One massive wall is covered in a life-sized model of the old marble façade, and it’s a sight to behold!

Brunelleschi’s Dome

When buying your Brunelleschi Pass, you’ll have to book a time to climb the dome.

It doesn’t really matter which time slot you pick because everybody wants to climb the dome and you’ll end up with plenty of company.

I did mine at 10:15 AM and think that was a good choice that allowed me enough time in the museum.

Okay, city views are overrated, but this 463-step climb is also the only way you’ll get to see the Judgment Day painting on the dome’s interior up close.

That alone for me was worth it. Get ready to take pictures FAST, though, because you’re not allowed to stop walking.

👉 Secure your spot for the dome climb here! 👈

Bell Tower

I know you’ll be begging for your life after climbing the dome, but it’s important that you go up the bell tower directly after to avoid being up there at noon. Why?

Dear lord, I was up there at noon and the bell ring nearly knocked my liver out of my tummy. It was quite violent. None of that for you!

I also wouldn’t blame you if you skip the tower. Apart from giving you an amazing view of the dome, it doesn’t do much else, and most of your photos will be blocked by its metal cage.

St. John’s Baptistery

The last thing you can possibly squeeze in before lunch is the baptistery, which is conveniently right on the way!

You won’t need much time inside, just enough to stand there and gawk at the golden mosaic ceiling with your jaws open.

Try not to bump into anyone while doing that, though. I found it surprisingly hard to tilt your head that far back and not stagger a little bit like a loser…

Lunch: Osteria Nuvoli

Are you ready to stuff your face after all that action in one morning? Are you? Because I am!

I’m not even there with you and I’m so excited to introduce you to my favorite hidden lunch spot, just off the Duomo square, but no one even talks about!

I first got the name Osteria Nuvoli from an Italian friend I made while in Brazil. She said it’s quite popular among the locals with almost no tourists. Of course, that got me writing it down real fast.

You need to walk past the bar and go down the stairs to find the restaurant, which is one of the coolest things about this place. You’re having lunch in its wine cellar!

Gelato Break Before We Continue

Don’t order any dessert at Osteria Nuvoli. We’re saving some space for gelato, because how can you not have gelato in the city that invented it?! Come on!

That’s right, sweet, creamy gelato as we know it today was first invented by Bernado Buontalenti in the 16th century for the ruling Medici family.

And when in Florence, you get an entirely Florentine flavor that recreates his first gelato, Crema Buontalenti.

The best place to get Crema Buontalenti is Badiani, the gelateria that won a contest for the flavor’s recreation. See how I slowly led you to the most Florentine spot possible to get the most Florentine gelato possible?!

I honestly walked past this place by accident on my first morning in Florence. So I went in, and ordered the flavor by accident because I’m drawn to simple, milky flavors.

When I later read up on all this, I felt like Einstein. (Hint: I’m not. Not remotely close 😂)

Afternoon: Santa Reparata Crypt + Main Cathedral

If you’re asking, “what the hell is Santa Reparata crypt and why is it right inside the cathedral when I look it up on the map?” then I wouldn’t blame you. I’m slightly embarrassed to admit I had that reaction.

Santa Reparata was Florence’s main cathedral from the 5th to late 13th century. It was roughly one-third the size of the current cathedral, so it was demolished to make way for a bigger one.

Today, pass holders get to walk through the underground excavation site slash museum to see some of the old cathedral’s glory.

If standing on old historical site makes you emotional, just a heads up, seeing the crypt for the first time was the most emotional part of my entire visit. I literally teared up.

Once you exit the crypt, you’ll already be inside the cathedral. It’s the genius way to avoid lines that I always share with people now.

I’m not gonna lie, it was a little underwhelming for me.

The only interesting things were the cupola painting (which you’ll already have seen during the dome climb) and Paolo Uccello’s clock right above the main door.

Read my Duomo guide to find out in more detail how to perfectly plan this section of your day!

Late Afternoon: Piazza della Signoria + Hot Chocolate

Whew! That was a lot wasn’t it? The most action-packed part of your three days is over, so now you can mosey your way around the city as you follow the rest of the plan.

Starting with the best hot chocolate you’ll ever have!

I have to warn you, Rivoire is one of the most touristy cafes in Florence, so brace yourself for lots of chatter. It is touristy for a good reason, though.

Enrico Rivoire was the official chocolatier of the Italian royal family. Of course, he’d make inarguably good chocolate!

I got mine with whipped cream on top (isn’t it a crime to get one without?) and it was to die for. Perfectly thick and not too bitter. Try sprinkling a tiny bit of salt in and it’ll get even better!

If you’re already excited for what tomorrow will bring, look across Piazza della Signoria to the brown brick building with a clock tower. That’s Palazzo Vecchio, the political center and your first stop tomorrow!

Sunset: Piazzale Michelangelo

From Rivoire, walk 25 minutes south to Oltrarno (other side of the Arno River).

Do not cross via Ponte Vecchio! I recommend crossing Ponte alle Grazie, which is a more direct route to your next stop, and it gives you an amazing shot of Ponte Vecchio!

Piazzale Michelangelo is probably the most visited spot in this more local area of the city.

That’s because it gives you the best view of the duomo, Palazzo Vecchio, Ponte Vecchio, and everything else important. It’s especially stunning at sunset.

Dinner: Trattoria Mamma Gina

Have I told you how much I loved finding restaurants in Oltrarno? Minus the ones on Piazza de’ Pitti, almost no tourist will ever walk into the majority of these insanely delicious spots.

One of my best finds is Trattoria Mamma Gina. I was the only non-Italian person in there when I went. I highly recommend getting Panzanella as your first course.

It’s this super refreshing Florentine salad with bits of soaked bread and a tangy dressing. I spent forever looking for it on menus but only managed to find it here.

Day 2: The Political Center + Best Steak in Town

Welcome to your second day! Start the day at Caffetteria Oblate, a breakfast spot that’s painstakingly hard to find (don’t ask me how many library rooms I had to awkwardly walk through before I found it) but so worth the effort.

The trick is to get yourself into the inner court first, then get up to the 3rd floor!

Brioche alla crema was delicious, but the view, even more so! I’ll let you look at the photo I took. Heh!

Morning: Palazzo Vecchio

Palazzo Vecchio was one of the most interesting museums I ever visited, and I’ve been to hundreds, if not thousands. It’s this half museum, half old palace, while still operating as the city’s government building. That last section if off-limits, of course.

Being the snob that I am, I refused to enter the museum how everyone else would, so I book the secret passage tour that got me in through a mini secret door and into the Medici’s secret treasure trove, too.

The tour takes an hour, but you’ll want to spend another 30-45 minutes there after, so you can wander through the remaining exhibitions, where everybody else goes.

The royal apartments and artifacts on display were worth a peek once. My jaw dropped when I walked into the Cartography room because I had seen Inferno before, you know, the one with Tom Hanks in it.

👉 Join the Secret Passage Tour into Palazzo Vecchio 👈

Lunch: Trattoria Sergio Gozzi

Okay, get ready to line up for a bit because this little family-run place only opens for three hours a day and does not take reservations. Be there at 11:45 AM and you’ll surely get in for the first seating. I did!

The place has minimal decorations, with handwritten menus, and the coziest plate of Lampredotto you can get.

Most other places will serve it in a sandwich, but I wanted to have it as a lone dish, so I tried it here. Best. Decision. Ever.

For something sweet to round off your meal, I pretty much downed their Zuccotto. Maybe you will, too?

Afternoon: San Lorenzo and Medici Chapel

This church complex right in front of Trattoria Sergio Gozzi confused the hell out of me at first, but they are basically two separate buildings even though they don’t look it.

The façade-less church sitting on the square is Basilica di San Lorenzo. It became the Medici family’s church, but it also dates back to the 4th century, making it the oldest church in Florence.

The architecture inside is absolutely stunning, with endless elements of pure Renaissance you can gawk at.

Walk around to the back of the church entrance, and you’ll see a separate entrance (and another €9 ticket you’ll have to buy but I promise you won’t regret it). This takes you underground to a private mausoleum where many Medici family members are buried.

The highlight is up on the ground floor, so you have to get yourself up there, to the main Medici Chapel.

I’d seen pictures of it when I was researching Florence, but my jaw still dropped to my toes when I saw it in person. Lawd. There’s no preparing you for it. Even these photos I took don’t do it justice.

Late Afternoon: Basilica di Santo Spirito

Just because I couldn’t have enough of the gorgeous churches of Florence, I’m gonna assume you’re the same.

You’ll have to cross the Arno River for the best steak dinner you’ll ever have anyway, so might as well just see another church on that side.

When I first walked into Basilica di Santo Spirito, I was just looking for a hidden gem. I had absolutely no idea how significant it is (at least for me).

Here’s the bomb: Michelangelo studied anatomy at this convent when he was 17. As a thank you gift, he then made a wooden crucifix for the church before he left the year after. That crucifix is still there!

You can’t take photos of anything inside, though. It’s a bummer but please respect that.

Seeing so many tourists trying to sneak photos when the staff couldn’t see them was super appalling and made my blood boil a little. Just a little bit.

You can, however, take photos of the cloisters and courtyard, which will be especially stunning in the fall.

As for the old convent where Michelangelo studied, I asked and no staff truly knew where it was. They suspect it might have been the second cloister that’s closed to the public today, though.

Dinner: Antico Ristoro di Cambi

Once you’ve had your fill of Michelangelo’s past (or you’ve been kicked out because the church is closing at six), find your way back up towards Borgo San Frediano and walk about 10 minutes west to get to your dinner spot.

You’ll pass by Babae pretty soon on the way. It has one of the authentic wine windows (Buchetta del Vino) left in the city, and was where Stanley Tucci visited on his food show.

Grab a glass of wine as a pregame if you want! There are seats in front of the place and across the street where you can sit.

Antico Ristoro di Cambi is criminally underrated compared to places like Buca Mario or La Giostra when it comes to restaurants in Florence.

But it’s my favorite spot to get Bistecca alla Fiorentina, and I’m sure it’ll become yours, too.

Don’t have to take my word for it, but I’m going back there in less than a month for more!

Day 3: Renaissance Garden Stroll + DIY Afternoon

Let’s admit it, even as cultural travelers, not all of us are equally nerdy about the same things.

You might be able to nerd off on gallery after gallery, while I get tired of it and am craving wine by the 3rd museum. (Not true, but you get the idea!)

So for the last day, I’m offering an A/B test kind of afternoon. You can either spend your last half day in Florence tasting wine out in Chianti, or put on your best glasses and stride into more historic churches.

Finally… Ponte Vecchio

Okay, my friend. I know I’m hella late and many people will be dying to ask me when this is gonna happen. It’s finally time for us to walk on the oldest bridge in Florence! 😂

Listen, Ponte Vecchio is cool. It is the only bridge that survived the bombings in WWII, people are raving about it, and it looks nice in photos and all. I think it’s way too overrated (to walk, that is).

You’re gonna go on it this morning because it’s the most direct route to your destination, but you’ll see what I mean.

Everybody and their mother wants to walk on this bridge, which makes it so tragically crowded.

And you don’t see much else apart from people and the jewelry shops lining both sides of the path. So it really felt like just another street.

But it also feels icky to have been to Florence and not walk on Ponte Vecchio even once, right? Do it!

Morning: Boboli Gardens

I hit a jackpot unknowingly planning to stroll the Boboli Gardens on my last day in Florence.

It became the perfect winding-down kind of afternoon I needed just before hopping on the plane home. So I hope you can use this morning to reset, too.

This massive group of Renaissance gardens is right behind Palazzo Pitti, which is one of the coolest museums in Florence.

But unless you still have plenty of energy left today, I’d advise you against going into the palace. It’s a lot and will take you hours.

If you feel like exploring both the palace and the gardens, though, I recommend joining a guided tour. This way, you can see the most important parts of the palace and the gardens in under two hours, then use the rest of your morning to relax in the gardens until you’re ready to leave.

There are plenty of beautiful spots to see inside the gardens, but my favorite view was closer to the top of the central path, after you’ve done the climbing, and looking back down to lower ground.

If you want a photo of this, zoom your phone camera in to around x2.5 and it’ll look much better!

Lunch: Trattoria Zà Zà

Keeping lunch nice and fast, but not crap, at Trattoria Zà Zà.

This place was initially not under my radar at all, but both my guesthouse host and city tour guide insisted on it. The tour guide actually said she and her friends love to go there for special celebrations.

No reservations is needed, but I recommend having one if you don’t want to risk waiting in line for too long. There are multiple seating areas, though, so the line moves quickly enough.

I’ll cross my fingers that you get to sit in their blue room. It was where I first got seated (but then never again… just my luck). The room looks like it belonged in a Renaissance painting. I loved it!

Pappardelle al Cinghiale here was one of the best I had!

Afternoon Option A: Tuscany Wine Tour

If a trip to Florence feels like a waste without tasting some wine in Chianti, then look no further and join this same afternoon half-day tour I did!

They take you out to two family-run wineries, one of which has been in operation since the 16th century! (Mhm)

I just ask that you have some self-control and do not feed Gemma. She’s the lady of the house at the second winery and is insanely food-oriented. She loves a good butt rubs, though!

👉 Secure your spot on the Chianti Wine Tour 👈

Afternoon Option B: Explore More of Historic Center

If instead of a change in tempo, your heart’s still begging for more churches and historical sights in Centro Storico, then who are you to tell it no?

For the remaining four hours you have left between lunch and your send-off dinner, I have two other important churches for you to see, plus my favorite boutique shop if you wanna bring some souvenirs home to family and friends.

• Basilica di Santa Maria Novella (Site of the oldest pharmacy in the world. In the world.)
• Basilica di Santa Croce (You can see tombs of Michelangelo, Galileo Galilei, and more)
• Grab souvenirs and mementos at Signum

Grand Finale: Buca dell’Orafo

If you’ve read this far and you’re not in Florence yet, then I must insist that you book a table ASAP.

This is arguably the smallest restaurant in Florence (Maybe not, but I haven’t found one smaller). It seats roughly 20 people and is the size of an average living room.

The place is family-run, and as a customer, you’ll be treated as if you were a part of the family. I don’t think I ever felt so welcomed and at home anywhere else (without factoring my money in, if you know what I mean).

Ah, these folks were one of the first restaurants to have made Tortino di Carciofi, and are one of the few still doing it today. It’s hella good!

Have You Found a Place to Stay?

And that wraps up your three days in Florence!

I hope that was enough culture and good food for you. This is already pretty packed, so don’t try to cram anything else in without switching something else out.

You’ll end up dying if you do too much. Plus, it doesn’t matter how much you get to see this time around, you’ll always want to come back to Florence.

I was there for over a week and I’m still returning! 😂

To finish up your planning phase, I have a guide that helps you decide which neighborhood suits your trip best.

Check out my Italy Cultural Travel page for guides on Bologna if you’re going there too!

Get Ready for Your Trip to Italy

Below are resources to help you get ready for your trip. Don’t forget to check my Italy cultural travel tips before you land.

• Get flights and rental car packages at great deals
• Stay connected in Italy with this eSIM
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Grab My Trip-Planner Template

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